Heatwave! It seems like that's been the story for much of the United States this summer. Things seem to be cooling down a bit now, which makes this the perfect time to sit outside in the shade and soak up the Earth's grounding energy. This month we will be celebrating "Chakra Week" at Healing Crystals.com and on our various social media platforms starting August 22nd through August 28th. Be sure to check in daily for great deals and tons of useful information about your body's energy centers.

In our first article, "What Crystals Should I Use for Each of my Chakras?", Debbie Elaine gives us suggestions for crystals that can help us balance each of our seven main energy centers: root, sacral, solar plexus, heart, throat, third eye, and crown.

Our next article, "How to Open and Clean Your Chakras with Crystals" is from Lourdes Lebron. In it, she gives great advice for how to keep our chakras clean and functioning optimally through the use of crystals and pendulums.

When you place an order for Chakra Week, enter the code, HCAUG2016 for 10% off, plus a FREE Orange Aventurine Mini Heart!

Crystal Blessings,
The Staff of Healing Crystals

What Crystals Should I Use for Each of My Chakras?
By Debbie Elaine

Often people ask for the “best” crystal to use on each of their chakras. I understand the idea of not wanting to waste time or money with things that might not get results, but honestly, there is no “best” crystal for each chakra. Every crystal’s unique energy reacts to each person’s unique energy to create unique results, and the results can vary from time to time on the same person, with the same crystal, depending on the person’s needs, and energy on that particular day.

So, in this article I will be making suggestions of several crystals that can be used on each chakra. These are not the only crystals recommended for these chakras, just some that I happen to have found beneficial in my own experiences. If you feel strongly compelled to use something else for a particular chakra, by all means, trust your instincts and give it a try!

Root or Base Chakra

Most red or black crystals are helpful for this chakra, with the exception of black Tektites, which have a different vibration because of their off-planet origins.

Red Jasper - Helpful for issues dealing with the release of anger as well as for vitality and sexual issues; also mildly grounding.

Black Tourmaline - This is my favorite for when I need strong grounding energy; if I’ve been bringing in a lot of spiritual or high-vibe energy into my upper chakras and need to ground things into the physical. Also can dissolve root chakra blockages.

Orange tends to be the dominant color here, though you can always use Clear Quartz for any chakra.

Carnelian - A good friend of mine thinks this is my favorite crystal. It’s not. But it is one of my favorites because Carnelian is really good at certain things, including: working with life-force and vitality as well as confidence on the sacral chakra.

Orange Aventurine - Aventurines are good at gently clearing away dense energies. Orange Aventurine is helpful for encouraging creativity and perseverance as well as vitality.

Some other crystals that benefit the sacral chakra are: Bloodstone, Orange Calcite, Moonstone, Citrine and Amber.

Solar Plexus Chakra

The first time I experienced crystals clearing a chakra was when a Yellow Calcite cabochon was placed on my solar plexus chakra during my first Reiki class. Over the next few days, I was able to release the knot of shock and grief that had been held there since the sudden death of a close friend nine months earlier. But there isn’t any one stone that always does the trick for everyone, every time, so some other favorites are:

Yellow Jasper - It works more slowly and gently that Yellow Calcite, but helps with centering and stomach issues.

Citrine - I have had great experiences with both natural, and heat-treated Citrines. They have very different energy to me, but both are great in Reiki sessions and grids. However, I prefer natural, yellow Citrine for this chakra, and find the heat-treated variety is more suited to my sacral chakra.

I don’t know if it is because this chakra is the center of it all, and our hearts are so important, or if it’s just a coincidence, but I have more favorite crystals for the heart chakra than any other. The heart chakra is generally associated with the color green, and the “higher heart” chakra with the color pink. I’ve found both colors seem to help both chakras, and between my intuition and the crystals themselves, the right crystal for whatever is being worked on at the moment always finds its way into my hand at the right time. So here they are, in no particular order, because everyone will react differently to each crystal:

Green Aventurine - This gently cleansing and nurturing crystal is way more versatile than people give it credit for being. I’ve used it to remove blockages, ease heartache and support heart and lung health. I especially like it paired with the next goody…

Rose Quartz - It’s pink. It’s Quartz. Need I say more? But seriously, for heartaches and breast health (especially those with breast cancer), this never lets me down. It needs clearing often, so make sure you do that regularly if you choose Rose Quartz.

Kunzite - Not everyone likes how strong Rose Quartz’s energy can be. For some folks, Kunzite will do similar work, but more gently. I also find Kunzite easier to wear as a pendant than Rose Quartz, perhaps because it doesn’t need clearing quite as often as Rose Quartz does.

Rhodochrosite - Though it’s not always as easy to come by, nor as affordable as Rose Quartz, this lovely mineral helps with removing the layers of grief and heartache, opening the way for self-love and new love.

Malachite - If you’re serious about making some changes, brace yourself and grab some Malachite. It amplifies everything--which brings it to your attention for healing and release, and it does this right away. This can be a little overwhelming for some people, but exactly what others may need. Malachite also absorbs everything, energetically speaking, so clear it well and often or it will keep amplifying all the stuff you’re trying to release--not helpful.

Lepidolite - If your heart races with anxiety and panic attacks, Lepidolite might be your new favorite crystal. It is composed of crystallized Lithium, with some Mica mixed in and it is very calming for most people. Lepidolite is very soft, though, so I would recommend tumbled or polished pieces as they are a bit more durable than the rough pieces.

Throat Chakra

Speaking your truth, communication of all forms and throat health are all part of this chakra’s domain. Most crystals work well for more than one chakra, and I find that especially with the upper ones. So, crystals that work for the throat chakra can also be good for the third eye chakra and vice versa.

Aquamarine - Helpful for throat ailments, as well as for working with the thyroid and pituitary gland.

Celestite - Associated with angelic realms, this peaceful crystal is a good choice for calming stage fright and creating a safe feeling for self-expression.

Sodalite - Great for the throat or third eye chakras, it helps reveal deeply ingrained patterns that are contributing to ongoing challenges in life. It also assists with regulating the metabolism.

Folks looking to increase their intuition or psychic abilities usually know to work with their third eye chakra, but this chakra can also affect learning disabilities, eye health, sinuses and headaches as well as nervous system disorders.

Iolite - This deep indigo beauty can help with connecting to your spiritual self. When placed under the pillow, it may help with interpreting dreams. Iolite assists with connecting to your inner voice, and following its guidance.

Labradorite - The internal flashes of color in Labradorite seem like the perfect physical representation of the mysteries of the universe that Labradorite connects us to. It is also very good for purifying the aura. These are just a few of its many wonderful qualities.

Azurite - Helps open the third eye chakra and aides in combining logic with intuition.

Clear Quartz - The most versatile of crystals, it really is great for any chakra, but is one of the best suited for the Crown Chakra.

Amethyst - Most books list this for the third eye chakra first, but I prefer its lovely purple color for the crown chakra. Since it is suited to both of those chakras, I find that it opens you to spiritual energy and guidance, and then helps fine-tune your reception so you can understand it.Chevron Amethyst, with its bands of White Quartz is especially good for the crown chakra.

Finally, if you are trying to work specifically on the issues of one chakra, it is still very important to maintain a balance among all the chakras, and with each chakra itself. Having a chakra that is too active can be just as unhealthy as one that is closed or blocked. Kyanite, Seleniteand Amber work well with all the chakras and using them on all the chakras can help bring clarity and balance to their functions. And I can never say this enough: Cleanse/clear your crystals often when doing this crystal work.

Blessings and joy to you ~ Debbie Elaine

How to Open and Clean Your Chakras with Crystals

By Lourdes Lebron

Chakras are energy centers located in the human body. Each individual chakra corresponds to organs and glands in a particular area of the body. It is believed that they are the store holders of your emotional experiences. These centers can become clogged or sluggish with the stress and drama of everyday life. If a center becomes stuck with “gunk” your emotional, mental, and physical well-being will start to suffer. Think of chakras as rechargeable batteries. If you continuously recharge them they will function well, but if you let them run out of “juice” they will not function and will take a much longer time to recharge.

In order to clean the chakras, I suggest using a Clear Quartz pendulum. Although this is my crystal of choice, you can also use Selenite, Optical Calcite or any other clear or white crystal that resonates with you. To begin with, it is easier to have a partner help you (and both of you can enjoy the experience). If one is not available you can still use this method, but instead of lying down on your back, you may feel more comfortable sitting up.

Although I suggest crystals to use for each chakra after the cleansing, please feel free to experiment and work with whichever mineral you feel resonates best with your body. For example, an Amethyst may feel better for the Sacral chakra instead of an orange crystal. Honor your body and use whatever feels right.

To start cleaning the chakras, I suggest starting at the top of the head where the Crown chakra lies. Take your pendulum and hold it 6 - 12 inches over the energy center. Let it spin naturally over this chakra. If you are working on a man, the pendulum may spin clockwise first. This is fine and for a man this is the direction it spins as it cleans. For women, it will spin counter-clockwise as it turns round. After a while, the crystal will change direction. The reason it changes direction is because, after the crystal cleans the chakra, it then has to replace that energy with fresh energy. It does this as it spins in the opposite direction. After it stops spinning, I suggest placing an Amethyst (or Clear Quartz) at the top of the head to help seal in the energy.

The next chakra to work on is the Third Eye chakra, in the center of the forehead. For this energy center and the ones that follow it, there will be no difference in the direction the pendulum swings for either sex. It will spin counter-clockwise to take stuff out and the opposite direction to place energy in. After it stops, I like to enrich this chakra with a piece of Lapis Lazuli or Dumortierite.

The Throat chakra at the base of your throat is the next stop for you pendulum. Again, it will spin counter-clockwise to take stagnant energy out and spin in the clockwise direction when it puts positive energy in. Blue Lace Agate and Blue Calcite are great crystals for this energy center.

The energy center that comes next is the Heart chakra and it is in the center of the chest. Let the pendulum spin as it may. Once the directions shift and it finishes moving, you can place a green stone like Aventurine or Tourmaline. If you prefer a pink crystal, you can useMorganite orRose Quartz.

The subsequent chakra is the Solar Plexus. This energy center is in the middle of the abdominal region. The pendulum can be used once more and after it is done you can place a piece of Amber, Citrine, or Yellow Calcite on this chakra.

The last chakra to be worked on is the Base or Root chakra. The pendulum is used again and, just like before, it will change direction as it replaces the energy taken out with new clean energy. I like to use Rubies, Black Tourmaline, Jet, and Red Jasper on this area.

Now that the chakras are done, I suggest waiting 5 -10 minutes to let the energy settle. When the person worked on is ready to get up, you may wish to offer the person grounding food like protein or chocolate to eat. I suggest drinking lots of water after a chakra cleaning to keep moving toxins out of the energy bodies.

For many of you cleaning the front of the chakras is enough to see a significant difference. For others, you may need to clean the same chakras on the back side of the body. When doing the back of the body, you would have a person lie down on their stomach or sit up on a backless chair. The energy centers are found directly opposite of the front ones and you would follow the same process as above. You can do both sides the same day or on alternate days when in a time crunch.

I suggest doing this routine once a month to keep the chakras running smoothly and functioning well. If you are under much more stress, you may wish to do this more often. When feeling ill, I recommend cleaning the chakras to help remove any energetic blockages that may be contributing to the physical dis-ease. Experiment with this method and try different crystals to see what brings you the best results.